The humble trouser may seem like a basic wardrobe staple that’s a no brainer year-round, but this season, the right pair can bring an entire outfit from good to great. Whether it’s experimenting with an unexpected print, or simply going for a new cut, updating one’s “trouser rotation” is a subtle way to refresh an outfit – just pair the new pants with your trustee favourites and suddenly, the looks feel fresh again. 

Luckily, this season has a number of fresh trousers to experiment with. Just look to the recent AW19 runways: some of the most experimental items on the catwalk were worn from the waist down, such as Gucci’s quilted pink trousers, or Louis Vuitton’s pants with extra-large cargo pockets. Even Hermès, one of the more pared-back labels, took a risk with its wide-leg leather trousers.

Wanting to incorporate these runway ideas into a wearable daily routine? If your style reads a bit more polished and put-together – for nine-to-five types, if you will – consider the power of good checked wool trousers for the office, which will have more visual interest than your basic black pants. Though if you do wear black pants on the regular, you can switch it up by trying a new material and texture (more on that, below). On the weekends, feel free to try on something more daring below the belt, too; printed cargo pants channel that grungy 1990s feel that’s currently trending on the runways at the moment, while corduroy trousers offer a more discreet take on the 1970s era.

So, without further ado, here are five season-appropriate trouser styles to try this autumn.

Corduroy trousers aren’t just for your granddad (though he may have a killer pair lying around). Matched with minimal, unadorned pieces up on top, these plush pants channel that cosy aesthetic that comes with autumn and winter, but in a cooler, more modern way. To start, lean towards corduroy trousers in a dark, rich shade of brown. Make sure the fit is slim or skinny, or if you prefer a baggier fit, that they are slightly cropped. Then, pair them with a sleeker top to offset its retro feel – think a black turtleneck, navy crewneck sweater, or even a check blazer with a white tee. Don’t, however, pair too much brown on top of the brown cords – you don’t want to look bland. Finish it all off with a black leather ankle boot or leather lace-ups, and a slick steel watch.

An upgrade on a basic pair of black pants are checked wool trousers. They’re the perfect item to give one’s work wardrobe a revamp with minimal effort. For the office, try on trousers in a muted grey check pattern, paired with a crisp white button-up shirt and layer a black sweater. Allow the trousers to be the focal point of the outfit, though if you’re feeling daring enough to clash another print with them, do it with a tie in the same colour palette as the pants. Don’t forget the black Oxfords, or even minimal white low-top sneakers (if the office allows for it). Bonus points for a smart briefcase or messenger bag to finish things off.

If black pants are simply part of your daily wardrobe, you can still upgrade the piece for autumn in a new, exciting way. It’s all about trying out a different material and cut. This season, consider opting for black trousers in a more techy nylon fabric, which will add a dash of futuristic flair to an outfit. This item by Prada, for instance, is slightly cropped – to show off your killer autumn boots you wear with it – and features the Prada logo discreetly stamped onto the back, too. An added perk here is they’re perfect for those grizzly, rainy fall days thanks to the water-resistant nylon gabardine.

A wide-leg trouser can seem like a daunting silhouette to experiment with, and a bottom-heavy look can easily go pear-shaped. They key is all in the fit: it should be snug at the waist, not too wide, and the hem should never, ever touch the floor. A style with added pleats near the waistline helps to give it some shape, too. When done right, there’s certainly an effortless-cool vibe about the wide-leg trouser, especially in a neutral tone: try pairing it with an off-white knit and some chunky lug-sole shoes, to ground the look and offset the billow factor of the pants. This pair by AMI come in a satisfying hefty wool, to keep you warm come winter.

For streetwear fans, a printed pair of cargos is the coolest trend to try this season. Inspired by a mish-mash of vintage workwear and skater culture, these flashy pants require minimal styling to make them shine. It’s a case of less-is-more dressing here: let the pants do all the talking. Simply pair them with a black T-shirt and discreet low-top sneakers – either a slip-on or classic court sneaker will do the job nicely. Then, add a no-frills coat over the top to play up the utilitarian feel of the cargo pockets, and you’re good to go.